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Definition of air quality nonattainment
Answer ID 905 |
This answer was first published on: 02/06/2007 04:33 PM |
This answer was last updated on: 09/04/2012 03:02 PM
What does nonattainment mean? The U.S. EPA uses six "criteria pollutants" as indicators of air quality, and has established for each of them a maximum concentration above which adverse effects on human health may occur. These threshold concentrations are called National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The six criteria pollutants are:
The levels of criteria pollutants are measured by a network of air monitors located throughout the state. When an area of a state does not meet the air quality standard for a criteria pollutant for a period of time, it may be subject to the formal process where U.S. EPA designates it as a nonattainment area. For areas that are designated nonattainment, states need to submit a plan (called a State Implement Plan) which outlines the specific strategies it will use to get areas back into attainment. There are also specific deadlines that states must meet to submit their plans and achieve compliance. Some areas in Ohio are designated as nonattainment for ozone and fine particulate matter (called PM 2.5). For additional information on nonattainment areas in Ohio, see the Division of Air Pollution Control's Web site at http://epa.ohio.gov/dapc/SIP/sip.aspx. Rate this answer for helpfulness by selecting between
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